International Fans: USA

Tuesday 10 September 2013 17:30

Fulham’s international fan groups are growing: we profile four in the USA who are now official.

FulhamUSA

Who and why? FulhamUSA.com was set up in November of 2004 by Tom and Michael as a joint venture to support and promote the Club they loved and bring the Fulham family in the US closer together. As some members like to point out, there is no separation in the title "FulhamUSA." The site provides a wealth of information about the Club's history, as well as a forum discussing the latest news for FFC, and they are able to provide a venue for local meet-ups among fellow supporters, including a very special get together for the MLS All-stars vs. Fulham FC match back in 2005.

Aim: FulhamUSA.com has been a member of the international supporters club of Fulham for almost 10 years! They have sponsored players (back when that was offered by the Club) and supported the Club in every way. The aim is to continue to spread the word and provide a venue for Fulham fans to come together, whether it be on the fulhamusa.com forum, matchday chat room, a local pub, or by helping other local US supporter groups start up.

Did you know? FulhamUSA.com has been featured briefly on ESPN's SportsCenter, SI.com, and Jim Rome's show after one member interviewed a prominent former USMNT player-turned-anchor.

Who and why? Set up midway through the 2012/13 season, members of the group regularly meet up in cities such as Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio to watch the Whites in action. Founding member, Dean Kakridas, cites the Club’s long standing connection with American players as one of the reasons behind his love for Fulham, with special praise reserved for our former Captain Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey (a fellow Texan of course). However, the foundations of Fulham Texas run deeper. “For me, Fulham FC represents everything that’s great about the game - history, emotion, hard work and perseverance,” said Kakridas.

Aim: To increase their membership; with a population of 26million, Fulham Texas hope to grow into one of Fulham’s biggest US-based supporter groups.

Did you know? Clint Dempsey did much for Fulham’s reputation in Texas, but with fellow Texan Emerson Hyndman impressing for the Club’s Under-18s the state could have another favourite on their hands.

Contact: Twitter: @FulhamTexas

Fulham Florida

Who and why? One of Fulham’s newest supporter groups having formed towards the end of the 2012/13 campaign. It’s early days for the guys and girls, but they’re looking forward to following Martin Jol and the boys throughout the new season. With the Jacksonville Jaguars also based in Florida, it should be an exciting season for our new friends. Matthew Chantry, a former Season Ticket Holder, heads up the group and has been going to Fulham matches since the 1970s - continuing his efforts since moving to the States.

Aim: To forge relationships with fellow US-based supporter groups, and share the fan experience across the States.

Did you know? Ian McCulloch, a regular writer for both the matchday programme and Fultime, is also a member.

Contact: Twitter: @fulhamflorida

Fulham NYC

Who and why? Many of its members have been meeting up since the 2006/07 season and have regularly brought fans together as a result of the supporter bar culture in New York City. From the near lows of the ‘Great Escape’ season to the highs of our European adventures, our fans from NYC have been there throughout. The group consists of expats and American fans, with many making the trip across the pond. One member, Jesse Snyder, caught our attentions recently by mocking up an image of Dimitar Berbatov emblazoned across Times Square.

Aim: With Fulham fans regularly visiting New York, the group encourage UK-based supporters to get in touch and join them on a matchday.

Did you know? Their home base - Legend’s Bar – can be found on 6 West 33rd Street, across from the Empire State Building.